Windows XP Professional File Sharing

Disable Simple File Sharing

Secure network file sharing must have some kind of mechanism that will allow the owner of a file or directory to dictate who has access and what kind of access. Such a mechanism, based on NTFS permissions and access control lists, is available in Windows XP Pro. It is enabled automatically when Simple File Sharing is disabled.

To disable Simple File Sharing In Windows XP Professional

1. My Computer
2. Tools
3. Folder Options
4. Click "View" tab
5. Uncheck - Use Simple File Sharing

Adding a user in XP Pro

1. Start
2. Control Panel
3. User Accounts
4. Create a new account

A password is not automatically created for new accounts. You need to go back to the User Accounts window and

1. Double click the new account
2. Click Create a password

Adding a group in XP Pro

Dividing users into groups is a good ways to manage those with similar needs. It is better to assign permissions to groups of users rather than to individual users.

1. Start
2. Control Panel
3. Administrative tools
4. Computer Management

1. On the left click [+] Local Users and Groups
2. Highlight Groups
3. Click Action in the menu bar
4. New Group

1. Enter a name for the group
2. To add members, click the Add button
3. Enter name of user or group
4. Click Advanced to select from a list

File Access Permisions

There are two levels of permissions a user must satisfy before they are able to access shared folders from a local network. First the user must have explicit permision to connect to the computer and then they must have permision to access the folder.
 

A. Network Permissions

To allow a share to be accessed form the network

1. Right click the directory
2. Sharing and Security...
3. Click "Sharing" tab
4. Click "Sare this folder"
5. Create a name for the share
6. Click "Permissions" button

At this point you can select/add single users or groups, then assign them a level of access, either full control, Change, Read.

Note: It is not recommended to use the deny permission

B. NTFS Permissions

1. Right click the directory
2. Sharing and Security...
3. Click "Security" tab
4. Select/add a user or group
5. Use the checkboxes to assign permisions

Accessing Network Shares

A. User has account on remote computer

If the user has an account on the remote computer that has the same username and password as the local machine then a connection can be established simply by openning the share through My Netork Places.

B. User does not have an account on a remote computer

If the user does not have an account on the remote computer a window will appear asking for a username and password.